Droll
/droʊl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing amusement in a wry or subtly humorous way.
/droʊl/
Oddly amusing; whimsical and dryly humorous.
Her droll wit always kept us laughing.
💡 Simply: Imagine a friend who makes you laugh not with loud jokes, but with clever, understated comments. That's droll! Like, 'Oh, you forgot your keys again? Droll!' (said with a slight smile).
👶 For kids: When something is funny in a silly and a little bit strange way.
More Examples
The comedian's droll delivery was perfect for the quirky material.
He offered a droll response to the serious question.
How It's Used
"The author's droll observations on modern life were entertaining."
"He had a droll sense of humor, always making witty remarks."
To speak or act in a droll manner.
/droʊl/
He drolled to the audience.
💡 Simply: To be droll means you're saying things with dry humor. Think of a comedian performing, delivering their lines in a droll voice with a wry smile.
👶 For kids: To act or talk in a funny, silly, and a little bit strange way.
More Examples
The comedian drolled throughout the show.
She could droll the most mundane situations into something hilarious.
How It's Used
"The actor drolled his lines with a perfect sense of timing."
From French *drôle*, meaning 'funny, comical', which comes from Middle Dutch *drolle*, meaning 'imp, jester'.
The word *droll* gained popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries, often used in literature to describe characters and situations.
Memory tip
Think of a dry, understated joke that still makes you chuckle.
Word Origin
"funny, comical"